. >> the education department last week announced the high school graduation rate in the u.s. has reached 80% for the first time ever. also last week, education secretary testified in front of the house. he talked about the high school graduation numbers, expanding preschool. this hearing is two and a half hours. >> the committee will come to order. welcome to our guests. thank you so secretary duncan for joining us. we know your time is valuable and we appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today. each year the secretary comes before the committee to discuss the priorities of department of education. each year he is faced with the underequirable task of defending new programs, burdensome mandates that adopt the president's preferred policies. the budget request for the department clocks in at an incredible $82.3 billion. this includes $70 billion in discretionary spending and mandatory funding for pet projects such as new teacher prep pardonness, which are redone ant of existing programs. families deserve a better way forward. we needed administration to work with congr